RSV vaccine led to 62% reduction in hospital stays for older people, study finds

The introduction of a vaccine for a respiratory virus in Scotland has resulted in a huge decrease in hospitalisations of older people, a study has found.

Research by Public Health Scotland (PHS), published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, shows uptake of the RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.

Health Secretary Neil Gray welcomed the report and said the Government had invested £4.2 million for health boards to roll out vaccines.

He added: “Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.

“We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter.

“This research demonstrates just how many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.

“RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants – potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.

“It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68% of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called.

“It is incredibly important for older adults and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”